SCPO-PD

WOW!!! I was happy (so was the wood) when I attacked my dash w/ mineral oil and bee's wax but your efforts have me thinking....

This last weekend I took RQB3616 out on the road to my Iron Chariots Car Show after being in storage for several months while I built a garage to house her and provide a weather proof location to be able to work on her year round. Everything went well until a knock from deep within the engine appeared.... I was able to limp home via the back roads while purposely not getting much above 35/40mph. I need to empty the oil for sure as the dipstick shows a overfull oil pan (no water beads or fuel smell), pop the valve covers to see what I find, check compression, etc.. My true Gear Head friends have forewarned me that I will need a new engine. While I haven't reworked an engine in MANY years, I am not afraid to take it on but my gut also tells me that it may be a lost cause.... RQB3616 has a 305. The question is what do I need to consider in swapping out the original 305 for a 350? Will the 1983 engine electronics work on the new motor 305 or 350? Are the motor mounts the same? Etc.... Seeking any insight.

Much Thanks!!! I honestly assumed that the 83 was "Old School" points & condenser. I haven't jumped into the engine other than the a quick once over and top off of fluids. It starts, runs, and gets me down the road.

Much Thanks!!! I honestly assumed that the 83 was "Old School" points & condenser. I haven't jumped into the engine other than the a quick once over and top off of fluids. It starts, runs, and gets me down the road.

Steve, I picked it up @ https://www.studebaker-intl.com/ Studebaker International. Blessings, Don

Thinking about upgrading RQB-3616 (1983 - 305) w/ Electronic Ignition. Any recommendations???

Pulled out the rear seats this evening - to include the fiberglass panel behind it - in order to replace the fuel sender. The gas gauge's upper limit was limited to 1/2 tank. The area behind the seats was pristine minus the 40+ years of fine dust that managed to get into the space. While doing this I found out that one of the rubber well nuts that I replaced on the seat rework didn't catch properly. This may be the cause of the unexplained gap between the rear lower and upper corner???

Ron - Can you share a picture of the allen screws that you are speaking about? I need to pull out my glass and frame to try and reattach a fallen corner. Much Thanks!!

NICE!!!

I was introduced to the Avanti in 1982/3 by a Deacon @ my church in Slidell, LA who I used to cut his grass. We were speaking about cars and he made mention that his desire was to buy an Avanti. He then proceeded to pull out a book that was hidden in his garage on Avanti's. He described that they were hand made/assembled, quite pricy, made to order, etc... I will say that I was quite intrigued. While admittedly it was not my "dream car" little did I know that I was hooked. Fast Forward to 2019ish while driving through Franklin, VA I spotted a Royal Blue 4 door Avanti that disappeared just as fast as it appeared. I questioned the 4 Doors as I did not remember such a beast from my introduction. I made comment of seeing it to one of my Deacon's, who happens to be a motor head / drag racer, and after telling me that he knew the car he also let me know that he new the owner. I have attempted to make contact with him as I understand that he has a very nice car collection that includes Studebakers, AMCs, and multiple Avantis but have not been successful. Anyway fast forward to 2023 I happened to be flipping through Craig's List as I had the itch again to try my luck at rebuilding a classic and I saw an add for a ""mini" Camaro" and the picture was a Avanti. I made a call, made a few visits, and I purchased RQB-3616 - The First Avanti that I was able to lay hands on since being introduced to them in early 80's.

Took advantage of the wife being out of town today and took RQB 3616 out on the road to Church. She was HAPPY to be out from under the carport. I witnessed the odometer flip to 55,555 miles (original), a beautiful black bear that unfortunately didn't make it across the highway, AND I was able to FINALLY close the sun roof screen (it finally gave way when I pulled it close - LOL). Now I just need to figure out how to open/remove the glass to rework/repair/reattach the fallen corner) AND find a wielder for a little frame repair.

I am awaiting completion & return of my seats from the upholstery shop and seat belts from the vendor..... I am thinking about dying the carpet. Any thoughts / ideas?? I do have the original blue "House Shag".

I just purchased my 1983 and I am really thinking hard about where to start my rebuild/rework effort. I am seriously considering the dropping of the frame and starting there. I have found a few thoughts & ideas on how to do this online but the details are rather limited. Anyplace where I can get the details ???